Nat and I shift into battle stance. He shows me some basic moves, and then we slide into a rhythm of thrusts and parries with our wooden swords. After a few minutes of lusty thoughts about Lincoln, my head clicks back into battle mode. There’s nothing but challenge and counter-challenge, dodge and strike. Lincoln watches from the sidelines, his arms folded over his chest. The hours fly by.

Nat pats me on the shoulder. “That’s all the time we have, little Miss. You done well.”

“Thanks, Nat. That was great.”

He raises his meaty pointer finger in my direction. “Don’t forget to practice. An hour with the sword, every day.”

“I won’t.” Stepping across the floor, I sit with my back to the ballroom wall, panting for breath.

Nat heaves the practice mats about, stacking one onto another. Lincoln sits down beside me, his hands gripping a water bottle way too tightly. My inner battle mode instantly ends. Worry, desire, and affection duke it out inside me.

I know what’s coming now. Bad news.

“Want some water?” Lincoln tilts the tall plastic bottle in my direction.

“Yes, please.” My tail slides the water from his hand. “And thanks for setting up training with Nat. He’s amazing.”

“I’m glad.” Lincoln drums his fingers on his knees. “I asked you here for another reason as well.” His voice is low.

My breath hitches. I won’t make him do this.

“I know what you’re about to say, Lincoln.” I take a swig from the bottle, hoping some water will steady my nerves. “Walker told me about the Earl of Acca. About Adair. It’s pretty obvious why Nat’s playing chaperone today.” Lincoln was only allowed off compound with some anti-Myla protection.

“Walker told you?” The muscles along his jaw tighten. “I’m gonna kill that guy. I told him to deliver a message, that’s it. He doesn’t even know you.”

Um, actually he does. Not that I’ll get into that right now. “He was only trying to help.”

Lincoln turns to me, his eyes stretching wide with disbelief. “And you still came here today?”

“Of course, I did.” I elbow him in the arm. “Besides, Walker said you had a master plan to defeat the Earl.”

He winks. “That I do.”

“See? Nothing to worry about.” If I lose Lincoln, it won’t be to some pompous windbag who shoots crossbow bolts at a Limus demon. Sheesh.

He stares at me for what feels like a million years. “Most people crumble in front of the Earl, my parents included.” He angles his head to one side. “How are you possible?”

“I’ve wondered the same thing about you.” I curl my finger toward him. Lincoln leans in for another kiss.

From across the ballroom, Nat clears his throat. “Come on, you two.”